B. C. Dalton, V. Michael Bove, Jr.

Abstract

An active audio self-localization algorithm is described which is effective even for distributed sensor networks with only coarse temporal synchronization. A practical implementation of a simple method of estimating ranges from recordings of reference sounds is used. Pseudo-noise “chirps” are emitted and recorded at each of the nodes. Pairwise distances are calculated by comparing the difference in the audio delays between the peaks measured in each recording. By removing dependence on fine grained temporal synchronization it is hoped that this technique can be used concurrently across a wide range of devices to better leverage the existing audio sensing resources that surround us. An implementation of this method using the Smart Architectural Surfaces development platform is described and assessed. The viability of the method is further demonstrated in a mixed-device ad-hoc sensornetwork case using existing off-the-shelf technology.